Get your Seafood and Steak (and more!) on at San Manuel Casino!

Have you been to San Manuel Casino lately? Admittedly, I hadn't been there in quite awhile and was pretty impressed with how modern San Manuel is these days! Located in Highland, I didn't realize it's also one of the closest casinos to Orange County! It took me a smidge over an hour to get there this past weekend, MUCH closer than Vegas or any of the other Southern California casino. 

My main motivation for visiting San Manuel Casino was to try out the well known weekend Steak and Seafood Buffet at the Serrano Buffet. The buffet features on a daily basis, a wide array of American, Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisine, but on the weekend it's known for its extended selection of seafood and steaks. You definitely don't need to go to Vegas for a great buffet folks! 

Special seafood selections for the weekend buffet include a Seafood Medley Scampi Station, Lobster Pasta, Crab legs/Crab & Seaweed Salad (Crab - Saturday only), Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Pasta, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Garlic and Chile Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Shrimp and Grits (Shrimp - Sunday only) 

If you're more in a steak mood, Serrano Buffet offers just about anything your beef-craving heart could want including grilled NY Steaks, Rojo Flank Steak and of course, a decadent carving station with slices of slow cooked roast beef cut to your preference. You really can't go wrong with a little surf and turf on the weekend folks! 

Of course, the daily selections are also available on the weekend. There's literally something for everyone from pizza, sushi, mounds of peel and eat shrimp to fried chicken and an expansive salad bar. 

When it comes time for dessert, the dessert station is no slacker at San Manuel! They not only have a wide array of pastries, cakes, and other desserts but there's actually a scoop to order gelato bar with ten varieties fo gelato! Nobody is going to leave unsatisfied at the Serrano Buffet!  

In addition to the Steak and Seafood Weekend specials, the Serrano Buffet at San Manuel Casino also offers several feature nights, including an ALL YOU CAN EAT lobster night on Wednesday and Thursdays. This special features whole Maine lobsters as well as tails and claws. One of my readers recently attended and said it was beyond worth the money and the short drive! 

One feature I also found unique to the Seranno Buffet is that you can actually skip the line by making a reservation! Reservations are limited but I get the feeling not many people know that you can do this so it's a great little tip to use on your next visit. The Serrano Buffet on the weekends runs from 4pm - midnight on Saturday and Sunday. $33 for Club Seranno Members (join for free) or $37 for non-members. For more info on the Seranno Buffet or to see all the daily specials see the website: https://www.sanmanuel.com/dining/serrano-buffet

When you're done indulging at the Serrano Buffet, be sure to check out San Manuel's NEW high stakes room, The Vault Gaming & Provisions  A little nondescript (see pic) and located on the second floor, near the elevator it's very worth the easy search as it's sure to knock your socks off! 

While it is a high stakes gambling room, let me fill you in on a little secret - you don't have to play high stakes to grab a drink or a bite to eat at this gorgeous speakeasy-inspired bar. However, if you're inclined it's really the perfect venue as they even offer an on-site concierge to help with any detail you might need to make your high-end night complete. 

The hip modern bar in The Vault features premium wines, liquors and handcrafted artisan cocktails including such highly sought rarities as Screaming Eagle Cabernet and Pappy Van Winkle Reserve Bourbon. 

The mixers in the cocktails are made fresh in-house and the cocktails follow along the same speakeasy theme with names like "Smoke & Mirrors."  It doesn't hurt that the bartenders are as friendly as can be, and super knowledgeable to boot! 

The Vault also has an exclusive shareable plates menu curated by San Manuel's Executive Chef Jerrold Brooks. If you don't feel like enjoying your libations at the bar, there's also a cozy secluded sitting area to sit down and enjoy your food and drink. 

They've really thought of everything here, as it's really a casino within a casino, and definitely worthy of checking out on your next visit!  

San Manuel Casino is located at 777 San Manuel Blvd in Highland, CA. 

For more information on everything San Manuel has to offer see their website: https://www.sanmanuel.com/ or call 800/350-2464.

Don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! 

New Restaurant Review: MAMÓN in Foothill Ranch

If you're a Peruvian food fan like myself then you've for sure been to one of the delicious Inka Mama's Restaurants in OC, BUT did you know that right next door to the Foothill Ranch location of Inka Mama's is another Peruvian-influenced treasure, MAMÓN?  Brought to you by the children of the two "Mama's" who started it all, it's a unique presentation of wholesome food cooking emphasizing healthy eating but without sacrificing flavor! 

I recently visited and was beyond impressed with how flavorful every dish I tried was! From their delicious brunch offerings to the moist juicy roasted meats they serve with their plates, it was a pleasant surprise to find such unique tasty offerings in a place I never knew was there. MAMÓN is a casual eatery with fun modern decor. They have both inside and outside seating, as well as bar seating. The service is upbeat, friendly and helpful. 

The menu at MAMÓN offers a little something for everyone including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and their infamous roasted meat plates.  The roasted meat offerings include pork, tri-tip, salmon and the seasonal turkey that was recently added. I chose to try the turkey which proved to be cooked perfectly moist and seasoned to perfection. It was also served up with a nice sauce that is reminiscent of the green Peruvian sauce you'll find at Mama Inka's.  An especially nice touch to the meat platters is that you get to choose your portion size ranging from 4 to 8 oz, depending on how hungry you are and how much you want to spend. Each plate comes with a side, as well as a serving of their crave-able pickled beets - yes, I know they're beets but trust me, these were some of the BEST beets I've ever tried. They were SO good that we actually inquired about taking some home, and was informed that they do indeed sell their sides a la carte to-go!

Chanco en Cama 

MAMÓN is also known for their unique sandwich creations so I couldn't leave without sampling one. At the suggestion of one of the owners, I chose to try the traditional Chanco en Cama (Pig in Bed) which comes with roasted pork shoulder, charred thinly sliced sweet potato, lime marinated red onions and cilantro, and a decadent yellow pepper aioli. Reminiscent of a pulled pork sandwich but with an added sweetness from the sweet potato and a unique twist with the yellow pepper aioli. It was delicious and I'd definitely order it again on a return visit. 

Brunch is also offered at MAMÓN on Saturday and Sundays. Having seen a few pictures prior to my visit, I had to try the uber popular "Toasted" from the brunch menu.

The "Toasted" French Toast

The "Toasted" is a banana pudding stuffed french toast, served with a seasonal berry compote and warm maple syrup. It's as heavenly as it sounds with banana pudding oozing out the sides of the thick slices of grilled up toast. I can see why this is such a popular dish and if you're a french toast fan, you definitely want to put this on your "must try" list! if you're not in a sweet mode, the brunch menu also offers up several savory items including the "Loaded" breakfast sandwich and a "Hammered" spinach tortilla breakfast burrito. 

Although known for their roasted meats, MAMÓN does have quite a few vegan/vegetarian options and 75% of the menu is actually V friendly!  Options include an Avocado and Tomato Toast,  a decadent sounding three cheese Grilled Cheese,  and many of the sides are also V friendly so definitely don't be put off by the meat-centric menu. 

Check out MAMÓN for yourself at 26676 Portola Parkway, #D in Foothill Ranch. 

Hours: 11-8 Monday - Friday

             9-4 Saturday & Sunday

See the full menu and learn more about MAMÓN on their website:  https://www.mamonrestaurants.com/

Don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! ;) 

New Restaurant Openings!

Several new restaurants have recently opened in OC so no better time to try out a new eatery! 

Todos Santos in Rancho Santa Margarita

The eagerly anticipated new gourmet Mexican restaurant by Chef Casey Overton, formerly of The Loft at the Montage Hotel, has finally opened! Serving up modern authentic Mexican cuisine in an inviting upscale ambiance with a lovely outdoor patio, it's sure to be a hit! To peruse the menu, see their website: https://www.eatdrinksantos.com/

Located in the El Paseo Plaza shopping center at 22322 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

SteelCraft in Garden Grove

Not just one new eatery but a whole gathering of new places to dine opened with the opening of the much anticipated SteelCraft. You may be familiar with Steelcraft as they have two existing locations  in Bellflower and Long Beach but this is their first foray into Orange County.. The 20,000 square-foot craft food and drink gathering space made up of re-purposed shipping containers with an open-air roof structure, located in the heart of the City of Garden Grove, houses 9 unique small businesses. Something for everyone, SteelCraft Garden Grove is currently home to: Beachwood Brewing, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, Cauldron Ice Cream, Honey & Butter Macarons, The Nest: A Breakfast Joint, The Chick 'N Shack: Khao Man Gai, Barrio: Modern Filipino BBQ, Renegade Taco, and Teemu Selanne's The Penalty Box. Located at 12900 S Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Everyday Eatery in Irvine

Just opened and already getting rave reviews, Everyday Eatery specializes in breakfast, brunch and lunch. This casual new eatery is serving up unique and creative breakfast items with a healthy bent, made with seasonal local products including fried egg sammies, ricotta hautecakes, breakfast burritos, avocado radish toasts and macro bowls along with special coffees and other "bevvies'.  Sounds like it's worth a try! Located at 6634 Irvine Center Drive - near Sand Canyon in Irvine.
https://everydayeatery.com/

Insomnia Cookies in Irvine

You may have visited Insomnia Cookies before as they have quite a following all over the country. They've eccentrically opened their FIRST location in OC at the University Center Plaza in Irvine. Known for their late hours serving up warm cookies every day til 3am, they're a great addition to the UCI area for all those late night cookie runs! Learn more about Insomnia and check out their cookie options on their website: https://insomniacookies.com/menu

Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge in Rancho Mission Viejo

Scheduled to open any day now and eagerly awaited in the newish area of Rancho Mission Viejo, this new family-run eatery intends to serve up delicious food and libations with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Along with signature dishes and fun craft cocktails, guests will be able to enjoy indoor and outdoor seating along with live music and entertainment on the weekends! To keep apprised of the exact opening date, sign up for their mailing list on their website: https://scarletkl.com/

Located at 30865 Gateway Place E-6 in Rancho Mission Viejo

Rock & Brews has opened in Tustin. This is the second location of R&B in Orange County, with the first one in Buena Park. The rock-inspired eatery serves up family-friendly american comfort food. There's also a large  outdoor patio with fire pits and games, and a play area for the kiddos.
Definitely worth check it out!
https://www.rockandbrews.com/tustin/

AND last but certainly not least, is the opening of Bake Cheese Tart in Century City. Even though this opening is in LA not OC I felt compelled to share it as when I visited Asia a few years ago, this was hands-down my most favorite treat that I tried. This is ONLY their second location in the United States, with the first being in SF last year, so we should feel lucky to have a Bake within driving range! Bake is the originator of the Japanese cheese tart that's been copied many times but IMHO Bake is still better than any other I've ever tried. It's hard to describe these little flavor bombs but they're a tad sweet mixed with cheesy goodness and smidge of tartness. Prolly not the best description but rest assure they are delicious and there's a reason people wait hours in Asia to buy them! 

Located at the Westfield Century City Mall, near Eately in the Macy's wing.
https://cheesetart.com/en/

Hope you find a new favorite place 

and don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you!